Nemo II 8 Day North Islands cruise

Duration: 8 Days

from A$5136

Experience paradise on earth aboard the Nemo II which provides an all-inclusive 8 day cruise to passengers with daily excursions to explore the Galapagos islands. The Galapagos Islands, became famous worldwide due to the research done by Charles Darwin. It is well known for its stunning beauty, nature and history. The Nemo II is a first class cruise vessel with modestly designed interiors and spectaculars social areas. During the cruise you will journey to the most visited islands including Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Santiago and Baltra

Itinerary Highlights

Get up close to iconic Galapagos wildlife including the Galapagos hawk and the lava lizards at Egas Port.

Marvel at the red sands of Rabida Island and indulge in the best bird watching experience in the Galapagos.

Dive into a sensational snorkeling session at Darwin Bay and spot schools of colourful reef fish.

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1: Baltra - North Seymour Island

Day 2: Santa Cruz Highlands - Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 3: Moreno Point - Urbina Bay

Day 4: Tagus Cove - Espinosa Point

Day 5: Egas Port - Buccaneers cove

Day 6: Rabida Island- Sullivan Bay

Day 7: Prince Philips Steps - Darwin Bay

Day 8: Daphne Island - Departure

Day 1: North Seymour Island

Arrive into Baltra Airport to meet you naturalist tour guide and ride the bus to the Itabaca Channel. Cross the channel by barge and then continue to Puerto Ayora by bus. Here you will board the vessel and have a light snack along with an orientation.

In the afternoon, visit explore the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, which is a low, flat island that was uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity. Meet native blue footed boobies who nest from May to November, marine iguanas, pelicans, frigate birds, shore birds, sea lions and the endemic Palo Santo.

Day 2: Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

Take a bus ride to reach the highlands of Santa Cruz with its distinct deep green landscape. The dominant vegetation are native Scalesia trees which provide the lush green colour that contrasts the dry, lower lands. You will follow trails through lava tubes and meet the iconic Galapagos tortoises which are kept in a breeding centre that aims to prevent the gentle giant from becoming extinct.

The afternoon will be spent in the Charles Darwin Research Station
and training centre that allows scientists, researchers and volunteers
to work
together and conserve the Galapagos ecosystem and wildlife. You will
receive a tour of the exhibition
centre and view photographs of recent volcano eruptions, charts
outlining geological
formations and drawings of evolutionary development of endemic species.
Meanwhile observe the many species of tortoises and land iguanas as well
as young turtles kept in the centre's nursery.

Day 3: Moreno Point & Urbina Bay (located in Isabela Island)

Start your morning at Moreno Point to marvel at a plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores of the coast. Walk along a path through lava rocks leading to tide pools and mangroves that are home to flamingoes, gallinules and pintail ducks. Keep an eye for green sea turtles and white-tip reef sharks that can be spotted in the tide pools.

After lunch, enjoy a walk to Urbina Bay located at the base of
Alcedo Volcano which experienced an uplift from the sea in 1954 and now
features an exposed delicate coral reef to be admired. Along the walk
get up close to land iguanas, flightless cormorants and giant tortoises.
Take some time afterwards to enjoy a relaxing swim or snorkel.

Spend the morning at Tagus Cove which is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Along the trails by a lake you will encounter majestic penguins, and flightless cormorants.

Climb aboard for a delicious lunch and relax during the journey to
Fernandina before making a dry landing on Punta Espinoza to observe a
large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and
clumps of lava cactus. Return to the comfortable vessel for dinner.

Day 5: Egas Point & Buccaneer Cove (located in Santiago)

In the morning visit Egas Point also known as James Bay, to spot the local plethora of wildlife such as a variety of shore birds, reptiles, hawks and herons. In the late afternoon you will get an opportunity to view a picturesque salt crater, as well as dark sanded beaches and tidal pools.

In the afternoon, the Nemo II will sail to Buccaneer Cove which is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are a magnificent site.

Day 6: Rabida Island & Sullivan Bay (located in Santiago)

Visit the alluring red sands of Rabida Island and immerse yourself in a a great bird-watching experience. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. As an option you can snorkel in the tropical waters to catch a glimpse of colourful schools of fish, sea lions and penguins diving into the deep.

In the afternoon, you will arrive at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago to inspect the fascinating volcanic origin
of the Galapagos Islands. Observe large lava rock flows, and other
volcanic formations that happened thousands of years ago up until the
more recent eruption in the early 20th century.

Later following a lunch
break, land on Bartholomew Island, to hike a trail of stairs towards the
summit of an extinct volcano. During the trail peer at the
multi-coloured rock formations, marine iguanas and lava lizards whilst
gazing at the impressive panoramic view of the surrounding islands
including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock.

Start the morning at El
Barranco or proudly named Prince Philip's Steps for an amazing wildlife
watching opportunity to see a unique bird colony and the breeding
grounds for the red-footed boobies and masked boobies.

Following on, you will enjoy a calm walk along the white coral sands of Darwin
Bay, surrounded by many sea birds such as frigatebirds, gulls, and
incredible red-footed boobies. Enjoy a snorkeling session
to visit a sunken caldera crater to see large schools of fish swarming
vertically whilst paying close attention to spot a manta rays or a
hammerhead sharks.

Day 8: Daphne Island - Depart Baltra Airport

Daphne Major and Daphne Minor are located between Santa Cruz and Santiago Islands. The islands continue to be a popular stop for scientists researching the unique qualities of the Galapagos finches. You will enjoy bird watching which includes the famous Galapagos finches.

Finally return to the vessel to reach the island's pier and
then take a bus ride directly to Baltra airport for departure.

Departs - Sundays (Fortnightly)

S/C Nemo II: Ship Cabins

Twin Cabins

Cabins 5, 6 & 7

1 Lower single bed and 1 upper single bed

Air conditioning

Private bathroom

Reading light

Standard Cabins

Cabins 3 & 4

Lower single bed and double upper bed.

Air conditioning

Private bathroom

Reading light

Superior Cabins

Cabins 1 & 2

Double bed (only for couples)

Air conditioning

Private bathroom

Reading light

Ship Information

This
all-encompassing cruise allows you to stay in double cabins each with
your own private bathroom. Delicious meals will be provided three times
daily with local menus created by the most talented chefs. You will be
accompanied by a certified guide while visiting each island giving a
detailed historical tour with snacks provided. Upon your return you will
be able to enjoy hot or cold showers, depending on what you prefer
since it is a very hot climate. The entire cruise will be air
conditioned and towels will be provided at your leisure.